A2: My role title is Executive Administrative Assistant.
Q3: In your words, describe what you actually do?
A3: In my role, I provide high-level administrative support to executives in my company.
This includes managing their calendars, scheduling meetings, booking travel, preparing
documents, taking notes, and handling other organizational tasks. My goal is to
maximize their time and help them be as productive and focused as possible.
Q4: How long have you been doing this role for?
A4: I have been an executive assistant for 5 years. I started in this role after working as
an administrative coordinator and office manager.
Q5: How did you get to this point in your career?
A5: I got interested in this career path when I worked as a receptionist at a large
corporation. I was able to observe the executive assistants and saw how their work
facilitated the executives' success. I pursued administrative roles with increasing
responsibilities to gain the skills needed to become an EA.
Q6: When it comes to remuneration, what are your three B’s? (Base, Bonus, Benefits?)
A6: For compensation, I receive a competitive base salary of $75,000 along with an
annual bonus based on performance. My benefits package includes health insurance,
401k matching, and paid vacation time.
Q7: I’m not going to ask you who you work for, but, what industry is your company in?
A7: I work in the technology industry.
Q8: When it comes to work flexibility, is your work primarily office-based, fully remote, or a mix of both? Which do you prefer? Does your company allow you to be flexible?
A8: My work is a mix of in-office and remote. I appreciate having flexibility to work
remotely at times but also value the in-person collaboration of being in the office. My
company offers a hybrid remote work policy.
Q9: What does an average week or a typical day look like for you? Can you walk me
through your day? What time do you arrive and start at work, what are your main
tasks/responsibilities, who do you interact with, what meetings do you attend, etc.?
A9: A typical day involves getting in by 8 am, checking my calendar, clearing emails, and
preparing for any meetings that day. I spend time coordinating with other assistants,
executives, and team members. No two days are the same, which I enjoy. I may book
travel one day but be focused on event planning the next. I aim to anticipate my
executive's needs.
Q10: What does a typical day look like when things are going well vs a more
challenging/stressful day?
A10: When things are going smoothly, I can work very efficiently and focus on being
proactive. On more hectic days when emergencies come up, I shift gears to handle
urgent requests and troubleshoot issues. The key is staying flexible.
Q11: What skills or knowledge are most important for your day-to-day work?
A11: Organization, communication, discretion, adaptability, and technological
proficiency are all critical. I also rely heavily on my relationships and ability to
collaborate effectively.
Q12: What are some examples of recent accomplishments or contributions you've made in this role?
A12: Recently, I planned a national sales conference, coordinating all travel, meals, and
logistics. It was a major success and supported an increase in sales. I also onboarded a
new executive seamlessly by handling all arrangements before their start date.
Q13: Do you have a supportive manager and do you feel valued?
A13: Yes, I have a very supportive manager who trusts me to work independently. I
receive positive feedback and feel valued.
Q14: How much time do you spend collaborating with colleagues vs working
independently?
A14: It's a mix - I spend focused time on detailed work but also collaborate regularly
with the teams I support. Finding this balance is important.
Q15: Is there anything you wish you would have known before starting this role?
A15: I wish I had known how many unofficial roles I would take on. I've become a
counselor, problem solver, and gatekeeper, going above and beyond administrative
tasks.
Q16: What do you hate most about your role?
A16: Juggling many competing priorities can be stressful. I hate letting people down if I
can't get to everything.
Q17: What do you love most about your role?
A17: I love interacting with smart, interesting people and enabling their success. No two
days are the same, which keeps things exciting.
Q18: What’s the next role for you and when do you hope to achieve this?
A18: In 2 years, I hope to transition into a senior executive assistant role supporting a
C-suite executive.
Q19: Is your next role going to be with the same company or a different one?
A19: I plan to advance my career within the same company. I appreciate the culture and
opportunity for growth.
Q20: What’s one piece of advice you could give to someone who aspires to reach your
position?
A20: Learn to manage up effectively. Understand your executive's work style and
priorities to provide customized support. Building trust is critical.
Q21: It’s Day 1 for someone in your role. What one piece of advice would you give them to
succeed?
A21: Immerse yourself in learning the role, build relationships, ask questions, and don't
be afraid to make some mistakes. Focus on adding value, and you will succeed.
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